RAF Typhoon

The power and agility of the RAF's Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 will be demonstrated at RIAT 2016 by Flt Lt Mark Long from No 29 (Reserve) Squadron, the Typhoon Operational Conversion Unit, at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire. Since deliveries commenced in 2003, nine years on from the first Eurofighter prototype's maiden flight, the RAF has continually expanded the capabilities of its Typhoon force. The type has assumed responsibility for the UK's QRA (Quick Reaction Alert) air defence capability, stationed at both Coningsby and RAF Leuchars in Fife, taken over the air defence of the Falkland Islands, and shown its potency in the air-to-ground role - in which the RAF has, among the Typhoon's operating nations, led the way - when making its combat debut during Operation 'Ellamy' over Libya in 2011. Typhoons stand ready to police UK airspace at a moment's notice and have been involved in recent combat operations over Syria.